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Abstract
Qualitative content analysis as described in published literature shows conflicting
opinions and unsolved issues regarding meaning and use of concepts, procedures and
interpretation. This paper provides an overview of important concepts (manifest and
latent content, unit of analysis, meaning unit, condensation, abstraction, content
area, code, category and theme) related to qualitative content analysis; illustrates
the use of concepts related to the research procedure; and proposes measures to achieve
trustworthiness (credibility, dependability and transferability) throughout the steps
of the research procedure. Interpretation in qualitative content analysis is discussed
in light of Watzlawick et al.'s [Pragmatics of Human Communication. A Study of Interactional
Patterns, Pathologies and Paradoxes. W.W. Norton & Company, New York, London] theory
of communication.