INFANT-MORTALITY IN THE USSR IN 1979-1980 - RESULTS OF AN UNPUBLISHEDSURVEY

The authors present the results of a broad survey carried out by the C entral Statistical Office of the former USSR which deals with socio-de mographic differentials in infant mortality in the various republics a nd regions of the USSR in 1979-1980. These results have not previously been published, because their publication would have embarrassed the authorities. The study deals with differentials in infant mortality be tween mothers' level of education, type of occupation, demographic fac tors, and ethnic affiliation.The conclusion is that the differentials were primarily due to socio-cultural factors, and that further reducti on of infant mortality could not be expected, unless a family-planning policy were implemented. Such a position, however, proved unacceptabl e to zealous proponents of national traditions. The article contains s ome 20 statistical tables and highlights the fact that births and deat hs were not always properly registered. It also stresses the importanc e of family life styles as an explanation of differential infant morta lity.