ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze self-care conditioning factors in women and men with urinary incontinence symptoms living with the Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1. Method: Qualitative study, based on the pragmatic phase of Praxis Model for Technology Development. Twelve women and five adult men living with Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1, residing in Bahia, Brazil, participated in the study. A structured instrument and focus group were applied to collect data. The empirical material was subjected to Thematic Content Analysis, using the software WebQDA and the Self-Care/Self-Care Deficit Theory was used. Results: Facilitating conditioning factors were used by women and men as strategies for performing self-care, and hindering conditioning factors prevented or disturbed, but opened paths to direct the nurse's performance to address self-care deficits. Conclusion: Self-care requirements were impacted by the hindering conditioning factors; the facilitating ones allowed self-care, providing technology in nursing/health.