Basic traits of the medical demographic processes in the USSR and abroad
Ovcharov, V.K.; Bystrova, V.A.
Sovetskoe Zdravookhranenie 2: 11-16
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0038-5239 PMID: 7209661 Document Number: 177550
From 1938-1939 to 1958-1959 fertility dropped by 36.4% in the USSR, and it dropped by another 25.9% in the ensuing 11 years. Between 1969-1970 and 1977-1978 the indices of fertility increased by 4.7%. There are more 1st borns and fewer 3rd born children (and later). The general tendency to lower reproduction is explained by fewer children in those older than 25 years. Fertility levels differ greatly from 1 union republic to another, depending on whether women work and on the local customs. The mortality levels in the USSR declined steadily to 1965 and then started to rise, due to the aging of the population. In 1939 those 60 and over constituted 6.8% of the population, in 1979 12%. This tendency is particularly seen in the villages. In Azerbaidzhan and the Central Asian republics the proportion of those 60 and over in the villages is declining. The republics can be grouped into 4 categories in function of whether their populations are demographically young, mature, middle-aged, or old. Mortality is rising principally among men of working age--due to accidents, poisonings, traumas, and diseases of the vascular system. The indices for female mortality have stabilized in recent years. Before 1972 mortality was higher in the cities than in the country, but in that year they became approximately the same, and now it is higher in the country. In recent years (since the 1960's) the life expectancy for men has started to decline, due primarily to vascular diseases. Chronic diseases play a major role in the increased mortality, and these are due to such factors as alcoholism, smoking, environmental contamination, poor nutrition, a more rapid pace of life and production, less physical work, and a less mobile life. There is an increase in mental illness. Mortality is higher in unmarried men and men who have not completed secondary education. Alcoholism is a serious social problem. Research done abroad has shown a close relationship between alcoholism and cirrhosis of the liver, cancer of the larynx, throat, soft palate, intestine, and strokes. Foreign research has also shown the harmful effects of smoking.