That is 1.7 per cent of the total number of live births. Children's health in the post-natal period is heavily dependent on their mothers' health during pregnancy. This was 20 per 100,000 live births, as against 28 per 100,000 in 1985. The principal causes of death are circulatory system disorders, neoplasms, accidents, poisoning or injury, and respiratory diseases. Of the persons who died from neoplasms, respiratory diseases or circulatory system disorders, 63-84 per cent were aged 60 or more.
Infant mortality is one of the most important public-health and demographic indicators.
The poor figures for infant mortality are largely attributable to the state of women's health, which is being adversely affected by difficult living conditions, the inadequacy of medical services and the employment of women in arduous and dangerous conditions. Life expectancy has declined in Belarus. The rate of population growth can also be affected by changes in migration processes. Emigration has declined in recent years. Because of the movement from rural to urban areas, the total number of rural dwellers fell by 339,200 between 1986 and 1990.