Objective To investigate the general situation of self-management behavior of patients with cirrhosis, and analyze its influencing factors. Method From January to June 2015, the in-patients with liver cirrhosis were recruited from Gastroenterology Ward of a comprehensive hospital in Chengdu city by convenience sampling method, and a series of questionnaires were used in the research, including self-management behavior scale, social support scale (SSRS), quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and sociodemographic characteristics. Results One hundred and sixty-eight patients were enrolled. The self-management behavior of patients with cirrhosis scored an average of 50.4±11.3, which was in the medium level. Self management behavior was positively and significantly correlated with social support (r=0.488, P<0.001) and the overall quality of life (r=0.554, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression indicated that the gender and course of the disease were two influencing factors. Moreover, female experienced better self-management behavior than men (t=27.090, P<0.001); and the longer the course of the disease was, the better the self-management behavior could be found (t=34.057, P<0.001). Conclusion We should strengthen the health education of self-management in patients with cirrhosis, and make full use of the patients’ social support system, so as to improve the patients’ self-management behavior as well as the treatment of diseases and their quality of life.