The info inside a repeat is deleted if the question used as a variable for the repeat count has changed

newwollyka

I have a form that start with a question regarding the number of dwellings

I am using the number as a repeat_count for a set of questions inside a repeat group (number of households inside the dwellings, name of the HoH, etc.)

However, I am facing a little problem. If I enter say 4 dwellings and fill in the info for these dwellings and then I change the number (say I discover there are 5 dwellings instead of 4), all the previously entered information is deleted.

I am using survey123 field app

 

Thanks

 

Anonymous User

Hi @newwollyka,

Sorry for the delay in replying. I had a look at your XLSForm, and the issue is related to the numbers appearance you are using for repeat_count.

When a repeat_count value is changed, if the value is deleted, and a new number entered, the repeat will go through a null (zero) phase, where there will be no repeats set. This has the impact of deleting all the repeats and their values and creating them again.

Using the numbers appearance does this when you try to update the number, as it deletes the old number and replaces it with a new number. During that transition repeat_count to zero, which wipes out all the existing repeats.

If you use the normal keyboard for number entry (not numbers appearance), the user can add the new number, without removing the old number, for instance to change from 4 repeats to 5 repeats, you enter the 5 next to the 4 in the input box, so 45, and then delete the 4. This is the only current workaround to this issue.

Regards,

Phil.