Americans saw more than 2.8 million foreclosures recent years, and the impacts on public health are largely unknown. The foreclosure process may impact health if it causes stress-related illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, if it forces reallocation of household funds that are otherwise used for health care, if it occasions dislocation that impacts treatment relationships, or if it degrades health-related behaviors such as diet and exercise.
The research team will draw a sample of 400 homeowners undergoing foreclosure in a median ZIP code in Phoenix through an extensive recruitment effort. Data will be gathered on the foreclosure process, health, health care, insurance, and use of safety net benefits -- all essential for understanding the impact of laws on health.