Evaluating the impact of peer-created digital storytelling on sense of belonging in Type 1 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of peer-created digital storytelling (DST) videos on the sense of belonging in individuals with Type 1 diabetes. This two-arm, parallel-group, single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT). Adults with Type 1 diabetes were selected from health centres (n = 60) and assigned to an intervention or control group with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The intervention group received standard diabetes care plus a four-week DST program, consisting of 16 peer-created videos. Data were collected using sociodemographic, clinical information, and validated scale for sense of belonging (SOBI). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.0, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. Total sense of belonging was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group at both post-intervention (P < 0.05, Cohen's d = -0.88) and one-month follow-up (P < 0.001, Cohen's d = -1.98). These findings suggest that peer-created digital storytelling can be an effective tool for enhancing psychosocial well-being in this population.