Objective To explore the effect of self-management model based on information-motivationbehavior-psychology (IMBP) model on self-efficacy in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Methods A total of 74 patients with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer in Sanmenxia Central Hospital from June 2023 to June 2024 were selected and randomly divided into conventional self-management group and four-dimensional model self-management group. The routine self-management scheme was implemented for the conventional selfmanagement group, while the four-dimensional model self-management group adopted the self-management intervention program based on the IMBP four-dimensional model on the basis of the conventional self-management group. Compare self-management before and after intervention [self-management (SUPPH)], quality of life [quality of survival for head and neck cancer (EORTC-QLQ-H&N35)], radiation injury [Radiation Oncology (RTOG) radiation injury classification] and changes in nutritional status [body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin (Hb), albumin (ALB), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF)]. Results The SUPPH scores in both groups were improved, and the score in the four-dimensional model self-management group was significantly higher than that in the conventional self-management group (P<0.05); the EORTC-QLQ-H&N35 scores in both groups decreased significantly, and the score in the four, dimensional model selfmanagement group was lower than that in the conventional self-management group (P<0.05); the indicators of BMI, Hb, ALB and TSF in both groups decreased compared to pre-intervention levels (P<0.05), while the four-dimensional model self-management group has higher levels than the conventional self-management group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the RTOG radiation damage grade during the intervention period (P>0.05). Conclusion The self-management model intervention constructed based on the four-dimensional model of IMBP can improve the selfmanagement ability of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy, improve their quality of survival, and maintain their nutritional status.