Background is key to HIV transmission, monitoring trends in groups of men from the general population, especially those whose mobility features and difficult access to sexual health services specialised transit routes is a constant

Methods From November 2012 - January 2013, men were recruited long-haul drivers as part of the Survey of Prevalence of HIV, syphilis and sexual behaviours in key populations of HIV in Guatemala. We used a convenience sample. All participants fulfilled the eligibility criteria and signed an informed consent, a questionnaire was face to face. All participants had been testing for HIV and syphilis. Data were analysed using STATA 11.1

Results 609 men long-distance drivers participated in the study, the median age was 37 years (IQR 31–46). The Guatemalans were 86.54%, 98% married or living with a woman and more than half (56%) had completed primary education. Only 9.2% had participated in activities about HIV in the past year, 22.8% correctly recognised ways of preventing HIV transmission, a 11.35% underwent an HIV test in the last 12 months, higher than that found in the general population (4.0%), but lower than in FSW´s clients (23.5%). Prevalence in HIV were found in 0.50% (0.10–1.44) and 1.98% (1.02–3.43) in syphilis

Conclusions The low prevalence of HIV is similar to that found in the general population of Guatemala (0.8%). Based on the results of this study primarily: the lack of correct knowledge about HIV and the little assistance to get tested for HIV diagnosis in addition with the UNAIDS recommendations in textbooks on population mobility and AIDS interventions are required to establish this special population is a priority under the bridge populations, for their constant mobility.