Storytelling to encourage COVID-19 research participation among Black and Hispanic community members: Results of the COVIDStory randomized trial

Objectives: Black and Hispanic communities in the United States have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 but remain underrepresented in health research.We examined whether a culturally tailored digital storytelling intervention increased interest in, and enrollment into, a COVID-19 antibody research study.Design: We conducted a randomized trial from September 2021 to December 2022 among Black and Hispanic adults in Central Massachusetts.Participants, recruited through respondent-driven and convenience sampling, were randomized to receive a storytelling intervention (narrative videos plus educational content) or a comparison intervention of educational content only (Learn More), using Qualtrics and RedCap surveys.Primary outcome was the rate of participant interest in COVID-19 antibody study enrollment.Secondary outcomes included enrollment in the antibody study and providing a blood sample.Participants were followed from consent through completion of the post-intervention survey, with duration varying based on survey completion timing.Analyses followed an intention-to-treat approach.Results: Of 390 randomized participants, 343 completed the study (Storytelling: n=173; Learn More: n=170).68% of the Storytelling and 75% in the Learn More group were interested in joining the antibody study (proportion difference = 0.07, 95% CI: -0.02, 0.16).Enrollment rates into the antibody study and blood sample provision were similar.Storytelling group participants who identified with their favorite story were significantly more likely to enroll (OR=1.29,95% CI: 1.03-1.60). Conclusion:The storytelling intervention did not increase overall research participation, but story relevance was associated with greater enrollment, suggesting that stories with personal connection may improve engagement in research among underrepresented communities.