Belief in Science and Attitudes Toward COVID-19: A Demographic Standardization Approach to China-US Comparison, 2020.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Attitudes of disapproval toward public health measures led to behaviors that could increase vulnerability to contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: Chinese citizens rated the necessity of mitigation measures for combating COVID-19 higher than did Americans (4.81 vs. 4.03 on a 1-5 scale). The China-US difference was attributable to 1) Chinese citizens having more confidence in scientists than Americans and 2) Chinese citizens almost invariably accepting the necessity of COVID-19 mitigation measures, regardless of their confidence in scientists. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Building public support for population health measures and public trust in science is crucial for handling epidemic crises. Copyright and License information: Editorial Office of CCDCW, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2021.