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.