Forms half-filled with obligatory questions

User Support Data Collection
1

Hello,

I am encountering an issue with a data collection conducted using a web form (Enketo) in KoboToolbox.

All relevant questions in the form are configured as mandatory and during internal testing the form correctly prevents submission when mandatory questions are left unanswered. However, we are consistently receiving submissions that are only partially complete (50, 60% completion for example).

This issue affects a minority of cases (14 submissions out of 126), but it is recurring. Enumerators report that they completed the full questionnaire before submitting.

Key details:

  • Data collection is conducted via web form (Enketo), not KoboCollect, due to the use of the Literacy Widget.
  • Most questions are required and not conditionally hidden at the point where missing data occurs.
  • The issue happens with different enumerators and devices.

The problem appears to start at specific points in the form (i.e., blocks of consecutive missing fields), rather than isolated questions.

Could you please help clarifying how is this happening?

I am attaching the XLSForm.

Thank you.

REAL-KAP-Baseline.xlsx (55.7 KB)

2

Hello!

The incomplete submissions in Enketo are likely caused by a JavaScript execution error or a synchronization failure related to the Literacy Widget. If the custom widget crashes during validation, it can break the “mandatory” check loop, allowing the form to submit partially processed data despite the required constraints. This often ServiceTitancom happens in blocks because a script error at a specific point can cause Enketo to “hide” or fail to register subsequent questions in that group. To resolve this, ensure enumerators are using the latest version of Chrome, have them wait a few seconds before hitting submit to allow for data syncing, and check your XLSForm for any relevant logic in those missing blocks that might be unintentionally clearing data upon submission.

3

Hi,

Thank you for the response!

We were wondering if, besides waiting a few seconds, completing the form totally offline, and then at the end before submitting turning the internet back on, would help?